Preview: Rovers v Oxford

We're expecting a massive crowd for our final game of the 2017/18 season

3 May 2018

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It's Rovers' final game of the season this weekend, as Tony Mowbray's men welcome Oxford to Ewood Park.

Read our guide to the game below.

STATE OF PLAY

Last time out, the recently-promoted Rovers suffered a 1-0 defeat at play-off chasing Charlton, but Wigan's draw against Wimbledon took the title race to the final day. The loss at the Valley was just our second in the league since October, and came via a heavy deflection in the first half. Mowbray's side sit second in the League One standings, two points behind leaders Wigan ahead of the final round of games. Going into the Oxford game this weekend, we have scored 80 goals in 2017/18, conceding 39 times at the other end. Fans can follow the action via our official Twitter account, with highlights available for iFollow subscribers after the game.

TEAM NEWS

Speaking after the Charlton game, Mowbray confirmed that Bradley Dack (hamstring) and Craig Conway (metatarsal) will play no part this weekend, while David Raya (groin) is doubtful. The boss will hope to have Elliott Bennett (knee) and Derrick Williams (abductor) available, after the pair missed last weekend's match. Ryan Nyambe will also hope to be fit enough to play a part. Mowbray is expected to provide a further update during his pre-match press conference. As always, we'll bring you news of both starting line-ups an hour before kick-off on matchday.

OUR OPPONENTS

Oxford currently sit 15th in the standings, with 56 points from their 45 games so far this season. It's a position which means they have little to play for, with the play-offs out of reach and safety from relegation confirmed. Managed by former MK Dons and Charlton boss Karl Robinson, the Us have won each of their last two games, including a 2-1 victory over Rochdale on their last league outing. Their top scorer in all competition this season is Wes Thomas with 10; as a team, they've scored 60 league goals in 2017/18. The sides met at Oxford's Kassam Stadium back in November, with Rovers running out comfortable 4-2 winners. Blues loanee Jack Payne was on the scoresheet for the hosts that day.

SHARE YOUR FAN PICS

If you're heading to Ewood on Saturday, be sure to tag your matchday pictures with #Rovers; we'll share the best posts on our official Twitter and Instagram pages. We're anticipating our biggest crowd of the season, as we approach 25,000 ticket sales (including away fans and season ticket holders).

OTHER FIXTURES

There are 11 other League One fixtures taking place on Saturday, all of which kick off at 5:30pm, including: Doncaster v Wigan, Northampton v Oldham and Rochdale v Charlton. Defeat for Wigan at Doncaster, coupled with a Rovers win, would see us crowned League One champions but, taking into account goal difference, a point for the Latics would surely see them win the title.